Topic: GPS Failure

[rexico]

I have both 798 and 597  purchased in the last 2 months at different times and from different dealers. The GPS has failed on both units at different times... whats strange is if it works first thing it works all day no matter how many times it's shut down if it doesn't fire up in the morning it will not work all day both units have never failed at the same time. The are new internal GPS units. What say you?
RB

[sonar2000]

Check the power connections.

Could be a supply issue..

Dont know if HB had a batch of units that may have had a building issue at the plant.....

Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

RB,
Are you saying that even though the GPS on either unit may not have worked today, that it may work tomorrow?  If so, than that is strange and sounds of something making intermittent contact.  The units would need to be shipped into the Techs here at Humminbird to take a look at.

[stillbear]

I have both 798 and 597  purchased in the last 2 months at different times and from different dealers. The GPS has failed on both units at different times... whats strange is if it works first thing it works all day no matter how many times it's shut down if it doesn't fire up in the morning it will not work all day both units have never failed at the same time. The are new internal GPS units. What say you?
RB

I will say you have a power supply problem or a plug contact problem 2 different units gps go out at the same time strange.

[rexico]

No, they dont fail at the same time

[sonar2000]

I would still check your power connections. Make sure they are good connections and also the ground is good.
Ideally, you would want to have each on its own set of wires.
Dont forget the fuse.
If you use the bayonet type fuse they can develop a poor connection.
Also the power supply must be good as in a charged battery.

Chuck

[rexico]

I think you may be on to something, because I get a low voltage reading first thing in the morning with a full charge on a new battery I run both units on the crank battery. I have 3 amp blade type fuses. I once run down the battery after about 3 hours fishing. What say you?
Thanks
RB

[sonar2000]

We may be getting on the road to identifying the source of trouble.

Let us know the results of connections and power supply integrity..

Also  the battery itsself. A battery can charge overnight and seem good but not be able to hold a charge once disconnected or under any load...
Batteries have a life span...they do need replacement at times..

You may be close to getting back in reliable operation.


Chuck

[rexico]

I think I should run separate wires all the way back to the battery, could you advise me on wire size and how to make a nice connection to the battery? I feel like this is the problem. Would the GPS be the only thing to malfunction? every thing else seems to work fine.

Thanks
RB

[sonar2000]

I would use a 14 gauge wire solid wire not the stranded type.
Connect to the battery terminals with a positive ring connector. For the fuse itself I would solder the fuse wires to the lead wires and protect with a twist connector and then tape. do this right at the battery or very close.
Use a good fuse assembly and preferably one that might be mositure proof..
Fuse with a 3 amp fuse. 

If you have a good supply then multiple units are not an issue, but if the battey is not a good charge holding battery (as in old or going bad) then you will have problems..
Most batteries need to be checked by a good load testing device such as the garages have. Most will check for free.
Batteries can check good with volt (electrical potential) but it is the movement of current (amps) that do the work. Which is why the check under load is the best..
Chuck

[rexico]

Thanks Chuck... I think we're on to something, I'm on a mission, my boat is in Mexico so it will be a few weeks I'll let you know
Thanks a bunch
Rex

[sonar2000]

OK, Rex.  we will await your response....Good luck and be safe....

Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

For marine applications it is advised that you use a stranded type wire.

[sonar2000]

why the stranded?
chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

I believe that it withstands flexing without breaking better than a solid core wire does.  As you know boats go through a lot of shock and vibration, so wires that do not flex easily absorb some of this punishment (just like old men with bad backs!) will end up breaking.

[sonar2000]

Hmmmmmmmm. could be a industry suggestion.  We have had the best result with #14 copper solid. As long as the wire was properly connected to what ever it was going to be used with, it seems to work fine...
I dont recall a solid core ever breaking for us...
Planes, trains, automobiles and including boats... ( I know that was a movie)
Maybe it is more an issue of routing and securing...
If it cant flex it cant break...
But then again we are not always the ones that put this stuff in....

Chuck

[stillbear]

Chuck don't want to take sides but we always use stranded wire marine grade.Stranded takes vibration better,easier to
make connections ,easier to solder,and the most important current flows easier ,the finer the strands the better. But
solid wire will get you buy. Thanks Gary

[sonar2000]

No sides taken Gary.  What ever is easier or available for the guys will be fine.  I look at the type of connection and connectors more.

And of course everyones posts on how they do something or use something is just another piece of information for the user.

That is what makes this forum so nice is the vast amount of experience and shared information for the person who has a question..

there is a diving forum that I am on and the posts often are "we do it this way and it is the only way.."

Here on this forum a person can get several perspectives and make the informed choice.

Thanks for all who take the time to share their knowledge...

Chuck